10 Images Of WFP's Fight Against Hunger In Colombia

9 June 2014

Copyright: WFP/ Gaddi Vasquez

Working in a country like Colombia can be challenging. There is a strong government but in some places internal conflict persists. So, operating in remote areas where illegal armed groups are active is dangerous. But, as a neutral humanitarian organization, WFP is often able to deliver assistance in places where it might be very difficult for the government to operate.

WFP/Jorge Gamboa

Decades of civil strife and widespread poverty have left Colombia with alarmingly high levels of child malnutrition. Some 12 percent of children under the age of five suffer from stunting, according to UNICEF.

WFP/David Parra

Colombia has suffered more than four decades of internal violence resulting in the displacement of millions of people; estimates range between 1.8 million and 3.7 million internally displaced people over the past 20 years.

WFP/David Parra

Although the majority of Colombians live in cities, many still live in remote communities. WFP travels to these locations to deliver nutritious foods. Many of the recipients are indigenous, like this woman from la Guajira. Learn more about WFP logistics here.

WFP/Nasly Salcedo

Children are central to WFP's food assistance operations in Colombia. A Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation in an Embera Chami community allowed children to learn about the value of healthy eating and the importance of dental hygiene.

WFP/Nasly Salcedo

A young woman smiles from her new home, built thanks to the combined effort of WFP, other UN agencies and the Colombian government. She,along with other 50 families, now have a place to call home that they are proud of.

WFP/Clive Shirley

The average monthly income of an internally displaced family represents just over 41 percent of the official minimum wage (US$63). Of this amount, displaced people spend 58 percent on food, 6 percent on health, and just 3 percent on education.

WFP/David Parra

Colombia is benefiting from the WFP School Feeding Programme. WFP school meals provide a strong incentive to send children to school and keep them focused on their studies instead of how hungry they are.

WFP/David Parra

Colombia is the third most populous country in Latin America, with an estimated population of 47.1 million, 25 percent living in urban areas. Despite its middle-income country status, 48.3 lives under the poverty line

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Hunger can be eliminated in our lifetimes

This requires comprehensive efforts to ensure that every man, woman and child enjoy their Right to Adequate Food; women are empowered; priority is given to family farming; and food systems everywhere are sustainable and resilient.